Church has 'medieval mindset' to sexual abuse

The Catholic Church has been described as having a medieval mindset at the Victorian inquiry into sexual abuse by religious and other organisations.

The first hearing of the inquiry outside Melbourne was held today in Ballarat.

Local Catholic Carmel Moloney told the committee she was part of a support group for victims and their family members.

She described the parents and siblings of victims as secondary victims who had their sacrifice, loving care and nurturing trashed by perpetrators of abuse, and victims have to be protected throughout their lives.

Ms Moloney said the senior people in the church think they are above the law.

She said there is still a culture of cover-up and many victims are yet to come forward.